Isolation and Characterization of a Novel <i>Francisella</i> sp. from Human Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood

Abstract

We describe the isolation of a Francisella sp. from normally sterile sites in acutely ill patients in two different states within 2 years. Microbiologic and molecular analyses indicate that this organism represents a novel Francisella sp. Clinicians and microbiologists should be aware of this new potential pathogen, as infection may be more common than recognized.